Former U.S. women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe raised questions about the underlying motives of efforts to protect women’s sports from transgender inclusion, as seen in the latest episode of her podcast with Basketball Hall of Famer Sue Bird. During the discussion, Rapinoe voiced her skepticism regarding the Save Women’s Sports movement, suggesting that these efforts might stem from fear—rather than a real concern for the well-being of female athletes—and that the movement’s actions could be more about defending traditional norms than ensuring fair competition. Her criticisms were in response to an op-ed by Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy, who had called on the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) to adopt clear gender standards with precise testing protocols. Eddy’s column sparked a wide-ranging debate, garnering both support and backlash.
Rapinoe also expressed her views on the use of an image of Orlando Pride player Barbra Banda in Eddy’s op-ed, which had drawn additional controversy due to Banda’s forced withdrawal from the Zambian national squad after failing to meet sex eligibility requirements in 2022. This led Rapinoe to question the sincerity of the Save Women’s Sports movement, pointing out that the NWSL has not seen any transgender players to date. She suggested that the movement’s emphasis on protecting women’s sports might be more about addressing perceived threats rather than genuine athletic competition. Rapinoe’s criticism reflected a broader debate in the sports world about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s leagues, an issue that has sparked significant controversy and public discourse.
Amid these discussions, Rapinoe also turned her attention to former U.S. men’s soccer star Landon Donovan, who had recently discussed his new hairpiece on The Athletic in October. Rapinoe drew parallels between Donovan’s struggles with public scrutiny and the broader experiences of transgender and gay individuals, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance and the right to be true to one’s identity. She emphasized that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is not solely about sports, but rather about personal autonomy and the ability to exist authentically in one’s own body. Rapinoe’s comments underscored the broader implications of identity, self-expression, and the right to live in one’s own skin, regardless of public opinion or societal pressures.